| SPORTS | RAPTORS | ANALYSISCopyright Toronto Star 1996-2013 , http://www.thestar.com/termshttps://www.thestar.com60Fri, 22 Feb 2019 10:37:40 ESTToronto Star | SPORTS | RAPTORS | ANALYSIShttps://www.thestar.com/etc/designs/thestar/images/general/thestar_250x40.pnghttps://www.thestar.com/content/thestar/feed.RSSManagerServlet.articles.sports.raptors.analysis.rss
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en-caFri, 22 Feb 2019 10:37:40 ESTOne day the Raptors will honour their best. DeMar should be firsthttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/20/one-day-the-raptors-will-honour-their-best-demar-should-be-first.html
c0287fc6-2cce-4f11-8b1c-84bb2a59f1bdDoug Smith - Sports ReporterThu, 21 Feb 2019 15:36:00 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/20/one-day-the-raptors-will-honour-their-best-demar-should-be-first/demar.jpg"/><br/>In every imaginable metric DeRozan is the kind of player a franchise would want to honour and to hold up as an example of what the team wants to be, Doug Smith writes.One day the Raptors will honour their best. DeMar should be firstDeMar DeRozan was unwavering in his love for the Raptors, the city, the country, embodied all that the franchise wanted in a great player and never put himself above the team, Doug Smith writes.Gregory ShamusGETTY IMAGES file photoWhy the Raptors are in a good place at the NBA all-star breakhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/15/why-the-raptors-are-in-a-good-place-at-the-nba-all-star-break.html
0091f98c-b1ac-4794-b719-a6028e2f47bfDoug Smith - Sports ReporterFri, 15 Feb 2019 16:01:32 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/15/why-the-raptors-are-in-a-good-place-at-the-nba-all-star-break/leonard_spurs_2014.jpg"/><br/>They haven’t had a long NBA playoff run together, but key players have the experience — and this group has had a knack for racking up wins through adversity.Why the Raptors are in a good place at the NBA all-star breakKawhi Leonard led the cheering after picking up MVP honours for his part in San Antonio’s championship run in 2014.David J. PhillipAP file photoWhy the Raptors should do nothing ahead of NBA’s trade deadlinehttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/05/why-the-raptors-should-do-nothing-ahead-of-nbas-trade-deadline.html
c22ee758-0c8d-48b9-a0d9-4cbbcb85312aDoug Smith - Sports ReporterTue, 5 Feb 2019 16:33:58 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/05/why-the-raptors-should-do-nothing-ahead-of-nbas-trade-deadline/masai.jpg"/><br/>It’s not the sexy thing to do but Toronto would be wiser to find out if there are players on the buyout market who come at a far smaller cost than the big deals.Why the Raptors should do nothing ahead of NBA’s trade deadlineRaptors president Masai Ujiri will surely be intrigued by a few trade proposals ahead of Thursady’s deadline, but the smarter move would be to stand pat, Doug Smith writes.Bernard WeilToronto Star file photoClippers owner takes in Kawhi-led Raptors win — interestinghttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/03/clippers-owner-takes-in-leonard-led-raptors-win-interesting.html
1abc900c-f4b4-47ca-8a57-c7d9a8e31fdeDoug Smith - Sports ReporterSun, 3 Feb 2019 20:07:13 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/02/03/clippers-owner-takes-in-leonard-led-raptors-win-interesting/ballmer_clippers.jpg"/><br/>It wasn’t like Steve Ballmer stood up courtside and waved a Clippers No. 2 jersey with “Leonard” on the back. There was no suitcase full of cash at his feet. So, tampering? Maybe not, but certainly some subliminal message sending.Clippers owner takes in Kawhi-led Raptors win — interestingClippers owner Steve Ballmer, left, was courtside for Sunday’s loss to the Raptors at Scotiabank Arena. Ballmer’s Clippers are expected to make a pitch for Kawhi Leonard when he hits free agency in the summer.Rick MadonikToronto StarRaptors’ problems are correctable, but the time is nowhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/01/04/raptors-problems-are-correctable-but-the-time-is-now.html
08b8f8d8-6eeb-42b5-af4b-c01cb11c20d8Doug Smith - Sports ReporterFri, 4 Jan 2019 18:56:15 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2019/01/04/raptors-problems-are-correctable-but-the-time-is-now/raptors.jpg"/><br/>While injuries haven’t helped, players don’t want to wait for a full complement to turn things around.Raptors’ problems are correctable, but the time is nowThings haven’t come easily lately for the Raptors, who were manhandled by San Antonio and DeMar DeRozan despite Kawhi Leonard’s efforts.Eric GayTHE ASSOCIATED PRESSIt was the year when Raptors boss Masai Ujiri decided good wasn’t good enoughhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/12/23/it-was-the-year-when-raptors-boss-masai-ujiri-decided-good-wasnt-good-enough.html
fc88b16d-2189-4973-b953-08f62e06f4a5Doug Smith - Sports ReporterSun, 23 Dec 2018 15:45:51 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/12/23/it-was-the-year-when-raptors-boss-masai-ujiri-decided-good-wasnt-good-enough/demar.jpg"/><br/>Head coach Dwane Casey was let go and franchise face DeMar DeRozan traded after being swept out of the playoffs a second straight year.It was the year when Raptors boss Masai Ujiri decided good wasn’t good enoughDeMar DeRozan was a newsmaker on and off the court, dealing with mental health issues head-on before being dealt to San Antonio in a franchise-altering trade for the Raptors.Steve RussellToronto StarNothing But Net: Raptors thinking big no matter who they playhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/11/29/nothing-but-net-raptors-thinking-big-no-matter-who-they-play.html
9c3e2499-4df0-4ad8-b278-efe5488d5c9fDoug Smith - Sports ReporterThu, 29 Nov 2018 16:16:38 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/11/29/nothing-but-net-raptors-thinking-big-no-matter-who-they-play/lowry_raptors.jpg"/><br/>Even if the Golden State Warriors had hit town with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green available on Thursday night, Raptors coach Nick Nurse swears it would be no more significant than any other date on the hectic NBA calendar — though fans will disagree.Nothing But Net: Raptors thinking big no matter who they play Kyle Lowry and the NBA-leading Raptors preach the importance of not getting too high or too low for a game based on the opposition. Asked about Thursday night’s visit by the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors, Lowry said: “Just another regular-season game. Next question.”Rick MadonikToronto StarNothing But Net: Raptors weren’t at their best in Western sweep — scaryhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/11/08/nothing-but-net-raptors-werent-at-their-best-in-western-sweep-scary.html
6f7dc87d-94a0-47c9-aa66-59e0ae9badd0Doug Smith - Sports ReporterThu, 8 Nov 2018 18:05:14 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/11/08/nothing-but-net-raptors-werent-at-their-best-in-western-sweep-scary/lowry_green_raptors.jpg"/><br/>The road to 11-1 has been paved with imperfect performances. Danny Green’s right: “Things aren’t going well, we’re not shooting well, but we find ways to get it done.”Nothing But Net: Raptors weren’t at their best in Western sweep — scary Jazz forward Joe Ingles loses the handle under pressure from Raptors Kyle Lowry and Danny Green in Monday’s game in Salt Lake City — the third of four wins by the Raptors out west. Rick BowmerAPRaptors playing the long game by sitting Leonard againhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/10/29/raptors-playing-the-long-game-by-sitting-leonard.html
0a2e4731-a87e-47dc-99ff-ba22953aa5b4Doug Smith - Sports ReporterMon, 29 Oct 2018 14:45:18 EDT<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/10/29/raptors-playing-the-long-game-by-sitting-leonard/kawhi.jpg"/><br/>It’s disappointing for fans with tickets, but this season’s all about the playoffs, not a single game in October, Doug Smith writes.Raptors playing the long game by sitting Leonard againKawhi Leonard, seen here conferring with Danny Green, is on the sidelines Monday, resting as a precaution.Chris YoungTHE CANADIAN PRESSThe true story behind Kawhi Leonard’s messy breakup with Spurs https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/07/22/the-true-story-behind-kawhi-leonards-messy-breakup-with-spurs.html
94f7fa00-2853-46f9-b124-597dca2abe57Jeff McDonald - San Antonio Express-NewsSun, 22 Jul 2018 18:41:18 EDT<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/07/22/the-true-story-behind-kawhi-leonards-messy-breakup-with-spurs/leonard_1.jpg"/><br/>New Raptor Kawhi Leonard first started to show signs of breaking from the San Antonio way at the 2016 NBA all-star game — in Toronto, no less — and an NBA-sponsored junket to China was another starry eye-opener. Then came the medical drama, during which teammate Tony Parker bragged about recovering from an injury “100 times worse” than Leonard’s. The writing was on the wall.The true story behind Kawhi Leonard’s messy breakup with Spurs Kawhi Leonard, with a hand from Tony Parker, led the cheers after the Spurs wrapped up the 2014 NBA final in five games. Leonard was named MVP, the high point of his career in San Antonio.David J. PhillipThe Associated Press file photoWhere the Raptors fit in new NBA East power structurehttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/07/22/where-the-raptors-fit-in-new-nba-east-power-structure.html
f1f4f666-f0aa-4c44-8679-3deb4c543dfeDoug Smith - Sports ReporterSun, 22 Jul 2018 17:23:02 EDT<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/07/22/where-the-raptors-fit-in-new-nba-east-power-structure/lowry_celtics.jpg"/><br/>With LeBron out west and Kawhi Leonard in the fold, the balance of power has shifted dramatically since the NBA final. Here’s an early look at how the Eastern Conference might play out ...Where the Raptors fit in new NBA East power structureRaptors point guard Kyle Lowry finds daylight between Boston’s Al Horford and teammate Jonas Valanciunas in a February game between the Eastern Conference powerhouses at the then-Air Canada Centre. Carlos OsorioToronto Star file photoHow the Raptors might look on opening nighthttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/07/22/how-the-raptors-might-look-on-opening-night.html
0b16968f-bb2c-43d1-b198-c16d589537e7Doug Smith - Sports ReporterSun, 22 Jul 2018 16:57:01 EDT<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/07/22/how-the-raptors-might-look-on-opening-night/raptors_wizards.jpg"/><br/>While the Raptors might still have more deals up their sleeve, new coach Nick Nurse already has a lot to think about with Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green in the fold. Here’s one way it might play out …How the Raptors might look on opening nightThe Raptors will line it up much differently on opening night without all-star DeMar DeRozan, second from right. The starting five might feature just two of Jonas Valanciunas, OG Anunoby, Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka.Rick MadonikToronto Star file photoTop-seeded Raptors dip into trust fund https://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/04/07/top-seeded-raptors-dip-into-trust-fund.html
974287a9-b4d0-4e95-b776-11fd0f60581aDoug Smith - Sports ReporterSat, 7 Apr 2018 23:14:07 EDT<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/04/07/top-seeded-raptors-dip-into-trust-fund/derozan_layup.jpg"/><br/>Learning how to ride out the lows has led the Toronto Raptors to the highest point in franchise history, and hope for even more when the NBA playoffs begin.Top-seeded Raptors dip into trust fund Raptor DeMar DeRozan, driving to the hoops with Oklahoma City’s Steven Adams defending earlier this season, has seen enough franchise lows and is enjoying the highs.Lucas OleniukToronto Star file photoWhy DeMar DeRozan is already the greatest Raptor everhttps://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/01/06/why-demar-derozan-is-already-the-greatest-raptor-ever.html
68b60bfe-0008-4940-a116-ab5f27431cf4Doug Smith - Sports ReporterSat, 6 Jan 2018 19:30:39 EST<img src="https://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/analysis/2018/01/06/why-demar-derozan-is-already-the-greatest-raptor-ever/derozan_dish.jpg"/><br/>Vince Carter energized fans and raw stats might give him an edge in the polarizing argument about the best player in franchise history, but DeMar DeRozan has taken the team farther than Vinsanity ever did — while breaking scoring records along the way — and stands alone in significant ways that defy metrics.Why DeMar DeRozan is already the greatest Raptor everDeMar DeRozan's well-rounded game continues to grow, and the Raptors have followed his lead to record heights. Best Raptor ever?Steve RussellToronto Star